This is the official Blog for Tony Horton, creator of Power 90, Power Half Hour and P90X.

Monday, December 31, 2007

ME ~ WE

The start of a new year brings a brand new outlook. A desire to change for the better. Optimism reigns while negativity cowers...temporarily. It's almost impossible not to have some sort of newfound hope and energy come January one. We look for ways to step up, so it's out with the old and in with the new. Bad habits and vices are put on hold, while plans to improve unfold. This ritual has been going on since the beginning time. We use the start of the new year to sweep our mistakes and shortcomings under the rug, so we can begin to work on becoming better people. We look at this fresh start as a means to become better humans. Happier, healthier more productive humans. Most New Years resolutions are personal. We look inside, search for flaws and make plans to improve ourselves. We want to exercise more because we know it the right thing to do. Some will stop smoking "for real" this time. You tell yourself that you're going to build that MDB business and become financially independent this year. These are I, me, mine resolutions.

Not that there's anything wrong with this, but most people's ME intentions and resolutions rarely get past March 1st. There are exceptions, and we've seen plenty of them right here in BeachBody Land. Hundreds of thousands of people have started their health and fitness journeys with Power 90 or P90X, and keep on going. Thousands are now reaping the benefits from building their MDB businesses. I salute you! I'd like to propose that you also try a little something else this year. I'd like you to consider being a better human being by helping other human beings. Instead of looking inward, how about going outside of the ME box and see if you can find someone or maybe a group of people to help. Rumor has it that altruism is the easiest and fastest way to find inner peace, happiness, joy and purpose. Serve others and in turn you serve yourself. When it's not about you, the pressure to change your life vanishes. Make this year's resolution count for something by helping someone other than you.

If you want satisfaction from your resolution then I recommend finding an organization that needs your help. I'm talking about getting involved with something other than fitness and your MDB business. Your business certainly helps your friends and family, but it's not charity work. Helping inform others about health and fitness can be tricky because it's critical that your advice is well received. Nobody wants health-help if they're not ready for it. Real charity work changes the world. When you change the world, you change yourself. It takes more than writing a check to www.TunaHAKI.org. I'm talking about seeking a cause and making contact with the people who need the help, or the folks out in the field doing the work. Everything from TreePeople (they plant trees) to church groups who help the homeless. Do you care about animals, the environment, clean local parks or rehab for Veterans coming back from Iraq? The really cool thing is that when you get involved with charities, you're not obligated 7 days a week like personal resolutions. Most organizations just need help 2 or 3 times a month. Do yourself and the planet a favor and see if you can focus less on ME and more on WE.

6 comments:

Hi Tony,As usual you put the onus where it belongs... on us the individual to make the world a better place and not to wait for others to do it for us. There are so many that need that helping hand if only for a moment. Thanks!John

I absolutely loved the message you conveyed in this blog. It really made me think things over, about my life and of others who struggle every single day to get ahead.

I also took the liberty of clicking on that Tunahaki link and watched your buddy Scott Pfifer talk about his volunteer vacation to Africa. Man, was that soul-shaking or what!?! The man really believes in what he's doing and is making a hell of a dent in poverty and misery.... How many people can claim that in today's world? I know I'm not there yet, but now, thanks to all of you over there at BB, I'm seriously considering the next level.

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." - Mark Twain

you are so right.. i volunteer at the zoo in my city... and we do a clean up of the creek around the area once a year.. and it actually is a lot of fun and makes you feel good.. other than that if you can spark an interest in a kid about wildlife you never know how they may grow up and what they can do .. and it could be because of you!

do something you love for free and you'll be amazed at how happy it makes you.. i like volunteering more than i like doing the work that gets me the $$.. happy new year!

i've wanted to go on one of the volunteer vacations that have to do with wildlife conservation :-)

Thank you for the thoughtful words of giving of our hearts and talents this year. I have seen things you are doing in the warmer part of the country and am very proud of you and the time you contribute to causes close to your heart. What an example you are.

I have the P90X+ previews. I think I will stick to the P90X until I can keep up with Drea :)

What a perfect message to start the New Year. During November and December, society tends to feel generous towards those without and donates more to food banks, to Christmas-gift ministries, and such. Come January those gifts tend to dry up - yet food/clothing/a boost up are needed all year long!

I hope your blog spurs many on to reaching out to those less fortunate.

Hola Tony, this place wonderful and inspirational. THANK YOU! I am very concern about obesity in young children, I remember long time ago you recomended a DVD that one of your friends put together wich was awesome! Can you send me the info? would be much appreciated Thanks